Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary in Charleston, SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Median annual salary $44,980 -2.8% vs national
Median hourly $21.63
10th percentile $31,200
90th percentile $60,670
Employed locally 4,190
National median $46,290

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Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
in
Charleston, SC
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    In Charleston, SC, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, except those in legal, medical, or executive roles, earn a median annual salary of $44,980, which translates to approximately $21.63 per hour. This figure falls slightly below the national median for the occupation at $46,290. When comparing these earnings to local household incomes, Charleston's secretaries and administrative assistants make about 54.7% of the area's median household income, which stands at $82,272. Despite being lower than the national average salary for this profession, the figures indicate a stable employment sector with an estimated workforce of 4,190 individuals in the region, amidst a relatively low local unemployment rate of 3.50%.

    For entry-level secretaries and administrative assistants in Charleston, earnings can start as low as $31,200 annually (10th percentile), while those at the 25th percentile earn around $37,850. Conversely, more experienced professionals who have climbed to the 75th percentile might expect salaries of approximately $52,960 per year, with top earners (90th percentile) receiving up to $60,670. The differences in earnings are largely driven by factors such as years of experience, educational background, proficiency with administrative technologies, and the specific demands of their roles within various industries. While entry-level positions may offer lower pay due to less experience or specialized skills, experienced workers often command higher salaries through demonstrated expertise, efficiency, and the ability to manage complex tasks independently.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $31,200
    25th
    $37,850
    50th (median)
    $44,980
    75th
    $52,960
    90th
    $60,670

    Charleston economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $82,272 2023 • Census ACS
    Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary vs area income 55% Median Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary is 45% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive make per hour in Charleston?

    The median hourly wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Charleston, SC is $21.63, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $30.20 or more per hour.

    Is Charleston above or below average for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salaries?

    The median Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary in Charleston, SC is 2.8% below the national median of $46,290. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Charleston?

    Entry-level Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (10th percentile) earn around $31,200 per year in Charleston, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $37,850.